Conference: 2-4A
Coach: Amee McGuire (fifth year at school, fourth at the helm of the senior-high team)
Assistant coach: Natalie Hyman
2010-2011 record: 5-25 overall, 0-14 in conference
Returning starters: The Lady Greyhounds have all five starters back for 2011-2012. They include Nakita Pruitt (5-1 senior guard); Natasha Pruitt (5-1 senior guard); Tyrenia Friar (5-10 junior forward); Tamela Steward (5-10 junior forward); and Latisha Brown (5-10 junior post player).
Best inside players: “Latisha Brown is our best player down low,” coach McGuire said, noting that Brown is among the taller members of the Lady Greyhounds roster for this year.
Best outside players: “Outside, we count on the twins — Nakita and Natasha Pruitt,” McGuire said. The duo represent both the good and bad about the 2011-2012 roster, speed on the positive side and a lack of height on the negative.
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year? Looking back on a five-win season and a winless campaign in the 2-4A, coach McGuire said of the biggest difference for the upcoming season, “We will be more prepared.”
Strengths of the team: Speed is the common denominator for most of the girls on the Newport roster. That, the coach hopes, will translate into strong play on defense and in the transition game.
Weaknesses of the team: Height is lacking for the Lady Greyhounds. Three starters are listed at 5-10. They are among the tallest players on the squad. This means Newport could struggle on the boards and inside the paint at both ends of the floor.
Games to watch: Coach McGuire listed Marianna, Stuttgart and Southside Batesville as opponents to circle on the schedule. Each will bring a different test for Newport, whether a smothering defense, blistering speed, precision floor work or an excessive height advantage.
Toughest opponent: Heber Springs — Heber won the regional title last season, taking the rubber match of five contests played against conference foe Southside Batesville. That sort of success can be contagious, and many of the key ingredients from last year's 25-win season are back.
College prospects: None
In a nutshell: “This group of young ladies was very successful in junior high. It will be interesting to see what they have to bring to senior high this year,” McGuire said.